Xavier Gilliam’s move to Tennessee is shaping up to be a game-changer for the Volunteers. After following defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and a couple of assistant coaches from Penn State, Gilliam is ready to make his mark in Knoxville.
The four-star defensive lineman, ranked No. 6 in the transfer portal, had a standout redshirt freshman year at Penn State and chose Tennessee over Indiana and Notre Dame. With the Vols needing to replace a significant portion of their defensive line, Gilliam’s arrival couldn’t be more timely.
Coming from Quince Orchard High School in Maryland, Gilliam redshirted his freshman year but got his feet wet in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Fiesta Bowl in 2024. Last season, he logged over 400 snaps and showed flashes of potential despite modest stats. Now, he’s determined to elevate his game in the SEC.
Gilliam’s confidence is evident. “I’ve got a lot more to show,” he shared after a spring practice session.
His coaches are already seeing the impact, with new LEOs coach Andrew Jackson highlighting Gilliam’s pass-rushing prowess in recent practices. Jackson, who knows Gilliam from his time at Penn State, praised his ability to disrupt from the interior, emphasizing the importance of team synergy over individual accolades.
Gilliam’s offseason focus on improving his pass-rush is paying dividends. “I see myself as a balanced player, but I’ve really worked on getting to the quarterback more,” he explained. His commitment to growth is clear, and he’s eager to contribute to Tennessee’s defensive front, especially with the departure of key players like Jaxson Moi and Bryson Eason.
Jackson sees great potential in Gilliam, describing him as a “really raw talent” with speed, flexibility, and power. Gilliam’s decision to continue under Knowles was driven by the chance for significant playing time and the opportunity to keep developing his skills.
Transitioning to Tennessee with familiar coaches and teammates has been smooth for Gilliam, who offers valuable insights to his new teammates. “It’s cool to see how everyone learns differently,” he said, sharing his experiences to help others adapt to the new system.
As he steps into a leadership role, Gilliam is focused on becoming a more complete player. “It’s about getting stronger, improving my athleticism, and becoming smarter on the field,” he noted. With his eyes set on making an impact in the SEC, Gilliam is ready to take his game to new heights with the Volunteers.